Improvement works begin at the Serpentine Lake, Moor Park

Work has officially commenced on the Serpentine Lake at Moor Park, marking the start of an important project to de-silt and extend the historic lake, as well as the reinstatement of the Serpentine Bridge and improvements to the Loggia alongside wider park enhancements to the play area and football pavilion.

Funded in part by the Government, this project forms a key element of a wider programme of improvements planned for Preston's parks as part of the £20m Active Preston: Improving our Community Infrastructure programme.

The works around the Serpentine Lake will include the de-silting and extension of the water body, a process involving the careful removal of accumulated silt, mud and organic material from the lake bed to enhance water quality and biodiversity.

The lake will be extended to its original size as proposed by Edward Milner, the original designer of the park. In addition, footpaths and railings surrounding the lake will be upgraded, and the Serpentine Bridge will be reinstated.

Mark Taylor, Interim Director of Environment and Property at Preston City Council, said:

"We are pleased that works have commenced at Moor Park and on the Serpentine Lake. These essential measures are part of a significant effort to preserve the lake and protect the surrounding habitats.

"This important project will revitalise the park, enhancing it as a welcoming space for both the local community and wildlife to enjoy for years to come."

Ahead of the de-silting process, a specialist fish rescue will be carried out to safely relocate the lake's fish population, including species such as three-spined stickleback, roach, and koi carp, into aerated holding tanks for the duration of the works. Koi carp are a non-native invasive species and will not be returned to the lake but will be relocated appropriately.

Approximately 100 trees have already been removed from Serpentine Lake to allow the expansion of the lake and to restore it to its former glory. Two trees have already been removed at the southeastern entrance as they are causing damage to the stone entrance walls.

The walls and pillars are to be rebuilt and refurbished as part of the project. To mitigate the loss of tree cover, the multi-million-pound refurbishment includes a tree replacement programme, shrub and wildflower planting which will increase the biodiversity on the park by at least 10%.

The trees that have been removed were inspected for both bat and bird life. No bat or nesting birds were present however the Council take the removal of trees and its potential impact on the native wildlife very seriously and ecologist specialists have been present on site throughout the duration of the works, inspecting and monitoring for nesting birds in the area every 48 hours.

As the water level is dropped and the lake drained to enable the next phase of works, any ducks present will also be monitored, however there is no specific plan in place to relocate them as specialists believe that they will naturally find a new local watercourse of their own accord.

This project is part of the ongoing transformation of Moor Park, Preston's largest and oldest park, which will also see future improvements to the football changing pavilion, and the main play area. These works are scheduled for completion by 2026.